‘UNCLE SMS’

05.08.12

Thai Prisoner Dies in Jail

AP Photo

A Thai man who had been sentenced to 20 years in jail for sending text messages that were considered offensive to the queen died in prison, his lawyers said Tuesday. Amphon Tangnoppakul, known as “Uncle SMS,” was arrested in August 2010 after being accused of sending four text messages to government officials that were deemed offensive to the queen. He denied sending them but was still handed one of the harshest sentences ever for someone accused of insulting the monarchy. His cause of death was not immediately clear, but Tangnoppakul’s lawyer said he had complained of stomach pains on Friday and was transferred to a correctional-facility prison for treatment.